Signs of Residential Electrical Issues

When do you need professional residential electrical services? 

Unfortunately, there are some things that the everyday homeowner can’t do, and it is nice to have a company on your speed dial that does offer residential electrical services. This can be adding another breaker to the circuit breaker box, replacing an existing breaker (they do wear out after a while), or installing appliances, like a new electric stove or water heater, especially when upgrading to a tankless water heater. 

And of course, hiring a residential electrical service to install new lighting fixtures is a common service call. Another service offered by a residential electrical service company is discussing energy-saving solutions to help homeowners reduce their energy costs. They can also inspect your home if you’re having random electrical problems and make recommendations of what needs to be done. 

When you search for a company that provides residential electrical services, there are some questions you need to ask to be certain you’re signing on with a company that can answer your needs. Among those questions to ask are: 

• How long have you been in business? 

You don’t want a company that just started up in somebody’s garage. However, that doesn’t mean you don’t want to help the ‘little guy’ get off the ground either. If they haven’t been established as a business for very long, typically less than 5 years, ask the owner how long they have been in the industry. 

• How many electricians do you have on staff? Are they fully certified and licensed? 

While a one-man band can do an immediate job you have a need for right now, what about in the future? If they are a successful business providing residential electrical services, they won’t be able to get you as quickly. Making sure they have a team of certified and licensed that can handle your needs just as well them.

• What safety measures are taken on each job?

This is important in case of any damage to your home or if you or anyone in your home is hurt. Or a staff member of the residential electrical services company can be filed against your homeowner’s insurance.  Things you would like to hear them tell you to include: 

• Insurance – ask for proof of comprehensive insurance, worker’s compensation, etc. 
• Company and industry training of each technician, including safety policy and continued education,  including electrical safety training.
• Dispatch the technician that is right and trained for the job they are going to service.
• Plan the equipment and supplies needed for each job prior to the job.
• Ensure the technicians have and use all proper equipment, supplies, and tools.
• Ensure each technician wears proper PPE (personal protective equipment).
• Review with technicians to use all safety precautions.

• What is your warranty policy for services performed? 

This is important! You don’t want to pay for residential electrical services to be performed only to have the work insufficient. Accept nothing less than a 30-day warranty, preferably a 90-day warranty or even for the lifetime you own the house. This should be stated on their contract or receipt. 

• Do you offer emergency repair services? 

It is great to have residential electrical services come one time for that new light fixture, but what if that light fixture starts to smell like it is burning at 8 pm on a Saturday night? You want to be able to count on the same company, preferably if the same technician, can come out to inspect the problem and make any corrections or repairs needed. 

• What is your rate for residential electrical services? 

Some electricians will have flat rates for some jobs, but for bigger jobs that are time-consuming and require more technical work, they may charge by the hour plus materials. It is important to get this information upfront and in writing before they do the work.

• Do you have references from past clients?

You should be given a written list of past clients of their residential electrical services, similar to what you’re asking them to do for your home. Once you have the list, before you hire the company, call at least 3 or 4 and follow up with the job they did. Things you want to ask these customers should include: 

• Was the job done satisfactorily?
• Was it done on time? 
• Did they stay on budget?  If not, was it due to changes on your part?
• Did they leave the area clean once the job was complete? 

Exemplary Electrical Assistance is Available

This is your home, the most expensive investment you’ll have, so it makes sense to have the best possible residential electrical services. Asking these companies these questions we have outlined is one way to protect that investment. If you are in need of residential electrical services in Norco and New Orleans, LA, please get in touch with us at 985-764-8191 today!